is not enough.
File photo: 11/22/05
With a large increase in bicycle ridership over the years, two-wheeled traffic is beginning to outgrow infrastructure that was once considered adequate. Bike congestion is becoming more common, especially on paths that are popular with pedestrians like; the Eastbank Esplanade, the Waterfront, and especially the Hawthorne Bridge (where stakes are much higher due to speeding auto traffic just inches away).
With this increased traffic, new safety concerns have arisen. You might remember Elly Blue’s editorial on using bike bells and the importance of “passing etiquette”.
For Community Cycling Center board member Margaret Weddell, the bike and ped traffic on the Hawthorne Bridge has gotten so dangerous she has decided to do something about it. Despite Multnomah County (they own the bridge) adding new markings in late 2005, Weddell wants to do more.
She has organized Bells on the Bridges, a new program that will give out (and install) free bike bells (compliments of Bike Gallery) to cyclists in need. The kick-off will be this Thursday from 7:15 – 8:30 am on the westbound side of the Hawthorne Bridge. And like the Breakfast on the Bridges event which inspired the name, volunteers will also hand out free coffee, tea, and pastries (also donated by Bike Gallery).
Also expected at the event are BTA Executive Director Evan Manvel, Janis McDonald from PDOT Transportation Options, and others.